RESIDENTS' recycling habits are to be put to the test in a scheme which could people win money while helping save the planet.

Ealing Council conducted a survey six months ago of how many people in each ward made use of their white bags for plastic, food waste bins and green boxes for a range of items, including cans, newspapers and glass bottles.

That time saw Hobbayne highlighted as the greenest ward, with 75 per cent of residents recycling, followed by Northfields on 71.9 per cent and Elthorne on 70.8 per cent.

Southall Green came last with 38.3 percent, with South Acton going one better with 46.5 per cent and Acton Central third from bottom with 47.1 per cent. The second survey will be held during the next two weeks and, once the results are in, the top performer and two most improved will win £20,000 to top up each ward's annual budget of £40,000.

The money is allocated to local projects at ward forum meetings.

Garden waste is not being counted as not everyone has gardens.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz has hailed the scheme, dubbed Recycling Rewards, as the first of its kind in London.

He said: “It's crunch time for the Recycling Rewards scheme. Recycling has never been simpler, all you have to do to win the money is take part by using your green box, white bag for plastics or kitchen caddy for food waste.”

The results of the survey detailing the winning and most improved wards will be released in May.